Flowering plant endemic to the Western Cape
Polhillia ignota is a species of flowering plant in the genus Polhillia.[2] Prior to its rediscovery in September 2016, it was known from two specimens,[3] and declared extinct in 2014. There are only 13 plants known, on a small renosterveld fragment less than 3 ha (7.4 acres) in size.[4] It is endemic to Eendekuil, in the Western Cape.[1]
Distribution
Polhillia ignota is found from northern Swartland, between Vredenburg, Eendekuil and Porterville.[1][5]
Description
Polhillia ignota is a large, rounded shrub, up to 1 m in height. Its inflorescences are yellow.[4]
Conservation status
Polhillia ignota is classified as Critically Endangered as it occurs in critically endangered Swartland Shale Renosterveld, of which only 10% remain.[1] A single, small subpopulation of 13 plants remain in a renosterveld fragment near Eendekuil, with an EOO 4 km2 (1.5 sq mi), and an AOO of less than 4 km2 (1.5 sq mi). The population is expected to continue to decline due to ongoing threats of habitat degradation and competition from alien invasive plants.[1]
References
External links
